Bahrain Top Court Upholds Sentences Of 13 Opposition Activists

Bahrain's highest court has reportedly upheld the sentences of 13 opposition activists convicted of attempting to overthrow the government during the 2011 protests.

Local media and lawyers say the court's decision cannot be appealed.

The 13 were among 20 opposition figures who were originally sentenced to jail terms ranging from five years to life by a special military tribunal for their alleged involvement in protests by the Shi'ite majority against the ruling Sunni royal family.

All 20 lost an appeal in a civilian court in September 2012, with 13 then filing appeals to Bahrain's highest court.

Since February 2011, Bahrain has been shaken by opposition protests that the authorities say are being fueled by Shi'ite-led Iran across the Persian Gulf.

Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.

Based on reporting by dpa and AP